Interim assessment of the rapid project

Evaluation covers period 2/80-ll/80 and is based on document review and interviews with A.I.D. and contractor, the Futures Group (FG), personnel. Since 2/80, the date of the last evaluation (PD-AAJ-056), interest in the project increased substantially and both the project and the FG contract were extended 2 years. In addition, activities in LDC"s were redefined in terms of preliminary and follow-up efforts, although the latter are still lax; the number of targeted LDC"s was increased to 40; computers were installed in six of 20 eligible LDC"s -- personnel were trained from four countries and maintenance is adequate; additional FG presenters were trained; A.I.D. Bureaus are helping to identify LDC interests; the frequency of RAPID presentations increased sharply; and FG progress reports improved. On the other hand, criteria for selecting LDC trainees were not prepared due to a shortage of A.I.D. manpower, and RAPID presentations in LDC"s without Missions were and are not likely to be pursued since the presence of A.I.D. staff appears critical. It is recommended that: (1) LDC and Mission staffs better cooperate in preparing, reviewing, and presenting RAPID activities; (2) more care be taken in selecting LDC trainees and target audiences; (3) coordination of follow-up activities be improved; (4) an official exchange of letters be made with LDC"s interested in assuming major responsibility for project activities; (5) requests for computer equipment and training by the Egyptian and Jordanian Governments and Missions be fulfilled; (6) A.I.D. requests for local RAPID presentations be better coordinated in order to more efficiently utilize FG staff; (7) computer equipment be installed and staff trained to make RAPID presentations in Washington; (8) FG progress reports emphasize major issues and related corrective actions; (9) the FG and A.I.D. devise adequate means for measuring the project"s success; (10) average project costs per country be considered when determining levels of country activity; and (11) more attention be given to a long-term implementation plan to meet future demand for the RAPID model.